The National Academy of Design announced its 2024 Academicians, celebrating the works of 28 artists, among which, 10 architects were named. Among this year’s inductees are Florian Idenburg and Jing Liu founders of New–York–based architecture firm SO – IL; Jesse Reiser and Nanako Umemoto principals at RUR architecture; and founding principal of NADAAA, Nader Tehrani.
Since its founding in 1825 as the first artist- and architect-led organization, the National Academy of Design has created a community of around 450 artists and architects across the country that champions design-related endeavors. In an effort to enrich the dialogue surrounding the role of art and architecture within public life, the National Academy of Design has been dedicated to annually nominating artists and architects as National Academicians, showcasing their work through exhibitions, education and research.
In addition to the established programming, the nominated Academicians are also encouraged to donate a representative work to the National Academy’s ongoing collection—the Diploma Work—one of the most significant collections of American art and architecture in the world.
Executive director of the National Academy of Design Gregory Wessner commented, “We’re thrilled to welcome this exceptional class of newly elected Academicians. As the Academy embarks on an exciting new chapter, the induction of these twenty-eight artists and architects–whose diverse and ambitious work captivates across various mediums–powerfully reaffirms our commitment to celebrating bold and visionary contributions to contemporary art and architecture.”
The full list of 28 recognized creative professionals can be found here. The 2024 architecture inductees are named in the list below:
Sara Caples and Everardo Jefferson, founders and principals of Caples Jefferson Architects, a New York City architecture firm that recently designed the Louis Armstrong Center.
Lise Anne Couture and Hani Rashid, founders of Asymptote Architecture, a visual architectural practice in New York City known for their key projects the Yas Marina Hotel in Abu Dhabi and Hermitage Contemporary Art Museum in Moscow.
Florian Idenburg and Jing Liu, founders of SO – IL in New York, who have led projects such as 450 Warren, a condo project in Brooklyn, and Amant Arts Campus in Brooklyn.
Jesse Reiser and Nanako Umemoto, principals of Reiser + Umemoto, RUR Architecture, and architecture professors who have taught at various schools in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Ken Smith, a widely published landscape architect exploring the relationship between art, contemporary culture, and the environment.
Nader Tehrani, founding principal of NADAAA, an interdisciplinary practice with a body of work in infrastructure, urbanism, architecture and installations.
The exhibition featuring the 2024 National Academicians is anticipated for May 2025, at the National Academy’s New York gallery at 519 West 26th Street, 2nd floor. Additional details can be found here.